Earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences at the University of North Carolina Asheville, and prepare for a meaningful career in healthcare, wellness, or public health. With a strong interdisciplinary foundation in topics including physiology, nutrition, exercise science, and community health, the program empowers students to explore the many factors that shape individual and population health. Three concentration options—Health Sciences, Public Health, and Health Promotion—allow students to tailor their studies to their professional and academic goals, whether they plan to enter the workforce or pursue graduate or professional school.
B.S. Minor
Graduates of the Health Sciences program pursue a wide range of career paths, from clinical fields like physical therapy, nursing, medicine, and occupational therapy to areas such as neuroscience, counseling, holistic health, nutrition, and exercise science. Those drawn to public health often work in health promotion and program coordination roles within community organizations, public health departments, schools, hospitals, care facilities, and businesses. Many also engage in advocacy work to advance systemic policy changes that support population health and well-being. In addition, graduates frequently continue their education through advanced study in areas such as community health, epidemiology, health policy and management, mental health counseling, social work, and related fields.
Building on the foundation of health sciences courses, UNC Asheville students have the option to choose their concentration. By offering concentrations, we are able to make the health sciences program more flexible to meet the needs of each student and their unique career goals. Within each concentration is a set of classes designed to prepare students for the real work they’ll do in the field as well as for their potential graduate studies.
Students pursuing a degree in Health Sciences may choose from two optional internship courses. These experiences can include reading scholarly articles related to their work, attending seminars, completing projects and reports, and applying and demonstrating their leadership skills.
Health Sciences students at UNC Asheville benefit from hands-on learning in specialized facilities. The Teaching Kitchen connects nutrition science with practical cooking and wellness, the Peak Performance Biofeedback Lab helps students explore mind-body health through physiological monitoring, and The WELL offers health assessments like fitness testing and body composition analysis. These labs provide valuable, real-world experiences that enhance understanding of health sciences.
The [Health Sciences] Department at UNC Asheville was my home. There were always opportunities to be involved in meaningful work and to build my skills. I distinctly remember that the environment gave me energy and pushed me to do my best.
The Health Sciences Department at UNC Asheville is home to a talented group of faculty whose expertise spans a wide range of disciplines within the field. Our professors are deeply committed to teaching and actively engaged in research, contributing to advancements in health sciences. Through their mentorship, students receive a well-rounded education, develop practical skills, and gain valuable insights into the health sciences profession.
Chair and Professor of Health Sciences
Office: 459 Sherrill Center
Phone: 6044
Email: arote@unca.edu
Tuesday 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Thursday 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Lecturer in Health Sciences
Phone:
Email: lcarlso1@unca.edu
Tuesday 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Assistant Professor in Health & Wellness
Office: 462 Sherrill Center
Phone: 250-3846
Email: sdonnel2@unca.edu
Tuesday 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Thursday 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Thursday 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Mon/Wed/Fri: Zoom appointments available by request. Please email sdonnel2@unca.edu to schedule an appointment.
Associate Professor of Health & Wellness and Athletics Mental Health Coordinator
Office: 457 Sherrill Center
Phone: 251-6123
Email: ljones3@unca.edu
Assistant Professor of Health and Wellness
Office: 463 Sherrill Center
Phone: 250-2396
Email: fjulien@unca.edu
Monday 1:45 pm – 3:15 pm
Wednesday 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm
Friday By Appointment Only
Lecturer in Health Sciences
Office: 455 Sherrill Center
Phone:
Email: msteele1@unca.edu
Monday 12:15 pm – 1:45 pm
Wednesday 12:15 pm – 1:45 pm
Professor of Health Sciences
Office: 216 Zageir Hall
Phone:
Email: lhewitt@unca.edu
Fall 2023 office hours are by appointment only
UNC Asheville’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program offers flexibility and support for students interested in the health sciences, public health, or other health-related topics.